TRAVELLERS' EXPERIENCES 223 



assertions and many additional oaths, he could scarcely 

 be convinced that it was not a deliberate attempt on 

 his life. 



Incledon, always extremely fastidious concerning 

 his food, usually made dire6l for the larder the moment 

 the coach stopped at an inn, and once while the horses 

 were being changed he chanced to see a loin o^ pork 

 upon which he set his affections. Going up to the land- 

 lord, a portly, independent person, he requested leave 

 to purchase the delicacy to take on with him. 



The landlord refused, saying the loin was destined 

 to appear on the table for a coach which dined at the 

 inn later in the day. This denial inflamed Incledon's 

 anxiety, and he begged the landlord to let him have it 

 at the price it would be charged to the dinner customers. 



" No," said the landlord. 



"At double the price, then?" coaxed Incledon. 



"No." 



Incledon grew desperate, and pulling all the loose 

 silver out of his pocket he begged the landlord to take 

 it and give him the coveted piece of pork. 



"No," said the landlord, and Incledon nearly wept. 



Charles Matthews, ashamed of his friend's childish 

 behaviour, walked off not waiting to see the end of 

 the transaction. When they resumed their journey, Mr. 

 Incledon took a handkerchief out of his pocket and dis- 

 played the uncooked piece of pork triumphantly. 



"What, you prevailed at last, how did you manage 

 to coax that surly fellow out of it?" said Matthews. 



"Charles Matthews?" replied Mr. Incledon solemnly, 



